1984 TOYOTA PICKUP

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that fades after 10-15 seconds, Metal shavings in oil, Timing chain slap heard from front of engine, Sudden catastrophic failure if guide breaks completely

Fix: Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, and front seal while you're in there. 6-8 hours labor for competent tech. Must remove radiator, water pump, timing cover. Smart owners do water pump, thermostat, and all front seals at same time since you're already there.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Rough idle and stalling, Black smoke from exhaust, Poor fuel economy (under 18 mpg), Hesitation on acceleration

Fix: Most need full carburetor rebuild or replacement. Accelerator pump diaphragms fail, jets clog, float needles stick. Rebuild kits run 2-3 hours labor if carb comes off clean. Many techs now swap to Weber 32/36 DGEV as permanent fix — better drivability and reliability. Add another hour for Weber conversion and tuning.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Symptoms: Visible rust perforation on frame rails behind cab, Bed mounts rusted through, bed sitting cockeyed, Leaf spring mounts showing scale or holes, Failed state inspection due to frame integrity

Fix: This is geography-dependent — salt belt trucks are scrap by now, Southwest trucks often pristine. Frame repair requires cutting out sections and welding in new steel, 15-25 hours depending on extent. Bed mounts can be replaced with aftermarket kits (4-6 hours). Many trucks get totaled for frame rot despite running engines.

Estimated cost: $2,000-5,000

Typical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Oil contaminated with coolant (milky dipstick), Bubbles in radiator when running

Fix: 22R heads can crack between valves if overheated. Head gasket job is straightforward: 8-10 hours includes removing head, decking if needed (add $120-180 for machine work), new gasket set, valve cover gasket, thermostat. Check head for cracks and warpage — if cracked, you're looking at used head or engine swap. Torque sequence critical on reassembly.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi

Symptoms: Excessive play in steering wheel (more than 2 inches), Truck wanders on highway, constant correction needed, Clunking when turning wheel, Loose feel in steering, especially on center

Fix: Factory steering box can be adjusted (free, 15 minutes), but most are worn beyond adjustment by 150k. Rebuilt box runs 3-4 hours to swap — drain, disconnect lines, remove pitman arm, R&R. Alignment recommended after. Some play is normal on these trucks, but dangerous looseness is common.

Estimated cost: $500-800

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of differential, Oil coating underside of differential housing, Gradual gear oil loss requiring top-offs

Fix: Pinion seal replacement is 2-3 hours: mark driveshaft position, remove driveshaft, remove pinion nut (impact required), pull yoke, replace seal, reassemble with new crush sleeve if needed. Cheap repair but messy. Some leak for years without issue if topped off regularly.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Symptoms: Rough idle, Check engine light (if equipped), Poor fuel economy, Failed emissions test, Hissing sounds under hood

Fix: California and some other states got complex vacuum routing for EGR, charcoal canister, smog pump. Rubber lines get brittle and crack after 40 years. Diagnosis takes patience with vacuum diagram. Replacement takes 2-4 hours depending on how many lines are bad. Many owners simplify systems in non-smog states.

Estimated cost: $200-500